“There was a particularly notable acceleration in commercial activity, making it the fastest-growing sector last month.

“However, the improvement was broadly based, with the housing PMI also rising to an eight-month high, consistent with ongoing very rapid activity growth.”

Activity has risen continuously in the construction sector since September 2013, with experts linking the expansion to the securing of new contracts. Mr Barry said construction firms are looking to the year ahead with high levels of confidence, buoyed by further improvements in the economy.